The message of the four children is that every Jew has his or her place in Judaism.

LONGMEADOW - Rabbi Avi Weiss, a leader in the Jewish Modern Orthodox community, will speak on " Fate and Destiny: Coping with Challenges" on May 2 at Congregation B'nai Tordah, 2 Eunice Drive.

He will also do presentations on May 3 on "Blemishes and the Fallacy of Perfect," as well as "The State of the Jewish People."

Weiss, who embraces a more flexible perspective on Jewish law referred to as "Open Orthodoxy," is the founding president of Yeshivat Chovevei Torah Rabbinical School in Riverdale, N.Y., and the spiritual leader of the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale. In January,
his opinion piece, "Rein in Israel's Rabbinate," appeared in the New York Times after his letter, speaking on behalf of Jews who wanted to marry in Israel, was rejected by the Chief Rabbinate there.

This rejection, after protests, was reversed, allowing Weiss to continue to submit such letters, but prompted him to write in the Times article, "It is time to decentralize the Chief Rabbinate’s power and to give Jewish communities greater say in what is acceptable for their members."

He has authored two books: "Women at Prayer: A Halakhic Analysis of Women’s Prayer Groups" and "Principles of Spiritual Activism."

Weiss's recent post on The Jewish Press website was about Passover, and referenced the four questions of children in the Haggadah, in stating "the message of the four children is that every Jew has his or her place in Judaism. The challenge is to have different types of Jews seated around the Seder table in open respectful dialogue, each contributing to the Seder discussion, each exhibiting love for the other."

Reservations for the dinner and lecture on May 2 must by made by April 30 by calling (413) 567-0036, or email to office@bnaitorahma.org. Cost is $18, $10 children 6 to 13, with a family maximum of $50. Child care is available.

The schedule for Weiss' presentation during Shabbat is as follows:

May 2:

6:30 p.m. Mincha (afternoon services)

7 p.m. Dinner, with lecture by Weiss on "Fate and Destiny: Coping with Challenges"

May 3:

9 a.m. Shacharit (morning services)

10:30 a.m. Drasha (sermon) by Weiss on "Blemishes and the Fallacy of Perfection"

7:25 p.m. Mincha and Seudah Shlishis (Third meal eaten on Shabbat as sun sets) presentation by Weiss on "The State of the Jewish People," with a question-and-answer session